The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Education Institute keeps students connected to their regular school or kindergarten by bridging the gap between hospital, home and their education setting.

The Education Institute teachers meet new patients to discuss their learning needs and determine the appropriate level of educational support. Services are provided based on need and educational risk. Eligible students will be offered individual or group learning sessions, or a combination of both. 

Each student receives an Individual Education Plan (IEP) prepared in collaboration with the student, families/carers and the enrolled educational setting. The IEP is reviewed regularly and updated in line with the student's educational progress. 

Early years

Our hospital kindergarten program is led by qualified early childhood educators who, through engaging play-based learning, help prepare your child for school. For students to be eligible for the program, they are required to be at least three or four years old before the 30 April in the year of enrolment.

Primary

The Education Institute offers an evidence-based program that is built on high-impact teaching strategies and underpinned by the Victorian Curriculum, with a focus on literacy and numeracy.

Secondary and VCE

Specialist teachers can assist secondary and VCE students to remain connected to their studies during a hospital stay, with a focus on educational tasks assigned by their school.

RCH Education Institute Strategic Plan 

The RCH Education Institute design and deliver targeted and individualised learning to improve valued learner outcomes (academic, developmental, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing) for students. We set our learners up for success by ensuring they experience continuous engagement in learning through seamless transitions connecting the hospital, the home, and their education setting. We champion for our students and their caregivers, so they ultimately become their own champions.

The Education Institute is funded by the Victorian Department of Education.